Support service will continue to provide care for the vulnerable

Published:21:14Sunday 15 June 2014

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A HOUSING support service which has helped more than 3,000 vulnerable people in Hastings is set to continue with the same provider.

Home Works was established in 2009 to help people who have a range of complex issues such as mental health problems, physical and learning disabilities, substance misuse, alcohol problems domestic abuse victims as well as those at risk of offending.

The service provides one-to-one support for adults or families to keep or find them accommodation if they are at risk of losing their home, are already homeless or are living in unsuitable housing.

Over the past five years, Southdown Housing Association has developed Home Works to ensure service-users achieve long-term independence by accessing community schemes. Now East Sussex County Council has selected Southdown, which has 42 years’ experience providing housing-related support, to provide Home Works for the next three years following a competitive tendering process. There is an option to extend for a further two years.

Neil Blanchard, CEO of Southdown Housing Association, said: “Having somewhere safe to live that you can call home is something that everybody should have no matter what life experience, background or challenges a person has. Developing skills to live independently and progress in all areas of life is central to Home Works support.

“Our dedicated staff work with people on all aspects of their life which contribute to their wellbeing and that of the community as a whole. Due to the significant changes to the welfare system we are increasingly supporting people to access employment, develop more advanced budgeted skills and to use their social networks.

“I’m incredibly proud of Home Works staff and the difference they make to people’s lives on a daily basis. It is testament to their hard work, commitment and skills that Southdown was chosen to continue.”